A new project under the banner of the Green Deal and Green Renewable Energy was recently awarded to the consortium led by the University of Padova (Project Coordinator) with a group of 13 partners who will strive to generate and deliver the necessary results in multi-physics design and energy harvesting in the sector of sustainable hydropower.
The H-HOPE project addresses the development and demonstration of innovative and sustainable energy harvesting systems capable of recovering hidden hydro energy from existing piping systems, open streams and open channels. H-Hope will set the stage for a market of Energy Harvesters, which will digitalize remote dispersed sensor networks, allowing real-time monitoring, reducing maintenance costs and improving management. As a result, managers will also be able to operate their water and energy systems more efficiently, potentially saving energy and costs.
The consortium partners who come from a range of sectors from academic and research institutions, energy stakeholders and economic development organisations from 9 different countries will engage and collaborate for a period 4 years to test and validate the effectiveness of this technology in real operating conditions reproduced in laboratories.
Hydropower has played an essential role in Europe over decades, providing a unique combination of safe, low-cost, and clean electricity production. It is still one of the largest renewable energy sources, adding up to about 35% of the electricity generated.
To capitalise on this form of renewable energy is vital in demonstrating the value and sustainability of the proposed technology aimed at increasing the resilience of water facilities and water streams. As a result, the H-HOPE project will certainly contribute to reducing the negative effects of climate change and reduce CO2 emissions whilst increasing energy independence in the EU.